Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full Privacy Policy.

The Pyrenees Sights

Le petit train jaune

Transportation Site (Airport, Bus, Ferry, Train)

Published 08/18/2015

Fodor's Review

The "little yellow train" has a service that runs from Bourg-Madame and La Tour de Querol, both easy hikes over the border into France from Puigcerdà (Bourg-Madame is the closest). The border at La Tour, a pretty hour-long hike from Puigcerdà, is marked by a stone painted with the Spanish and French flags. It can also be picked up in Villefranche. The carrilet (narrow-gauge railway) is the last in the Pyrenees and is used for tours as well as transportation; it winds slowly through La Cerdanya to the medieval walled town of Villefranche de Conflent. The 63-km (39-mile) tour can take most of the day, especially if you stop to browse in Mont Louis or Villefranche. The last section, between La Cabanasse and Villefranche is the most picturesque. In low season the trains are infrequent and subject to change. Timetables are available at the stations or on the website.